Why is Navan left out of World Cup bid?

CHRONICLE COMMENT

The push is on to bring the Rugby World Cup to Ireland in 2023 led by Dick Spring and BOD himself - and let's hope they can succeed. 

After all the economy could do with a boost and generate all the extra money that will be needed to pay for the increase in wages for our Gardai - and the other public servants who are likely to take to arms up in the coming weeks and months.  

But we digress. The Rugby World Cup could be coming to these shores and not only to places like the Aviva, Thomond Park and the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast. 

We could be seeing the stars of world rugby in places like Nowlan Park, Fitzgerald Stadium and Pearse Stadium - bastions of the GAA. 

But what about Pairc Tailteann? Was it even considered as a venue? Surely a county with such a rich GAA traditon as Meath should have a stadium to be matched with the rest. 

After all the ground once hosted American football games and Navan has a great deal to offer - hotels, great places to eat, plenty of pubs, easy access. It was also, of course, recently voted the 'Friendliest town in Ireland.' There's a lot going for the place.  

The people in Tipperary GAA are up in arms  that Semple Stadium was not included on the list of venues.

Should the people of Navan and beyond not be the same?

On a more serious note the GAA makes millions of euro every year, filling Croke Park time and again.

It's time for grounds like Pairc Tailteann to be updated for the dedicated supporters who go to the venue every year. The days of a length of concrete substituting for a seat are gone - or should be gone. 

Croke Park should be providing the Meath Co Board with grants to rebuild the stadium and bring it into the 21st century.